Enhancing Responder Security: Safeguarding Sites from Threats

1. Health and Safety Responder Security

2. Security Threats • Intentional malevolent threats • Angered owners • Animal rights activists • Unauthorized media • Vandalism or theft • Unintentional threats • Inadvertent intruders • Curious visitors • “Self-deployed” volunteers • Aggressive dogs Responder Security

3. Site and Personal Security • Control access to the work site • Limit unauthorized access • Prevent interference with response • Account for personnel • Limit risk of disease, hazards or injury Responder Security

4. Security Officer • Works with Operations Section Chief • Assess any security threats • Determine control measures • Establish personnel identification system • Establish communication system • Implement use of temporary fencing Responder Security

5. Site Control Plan • Site map and boundaries • Site work zones • Site communication • Safe work practices • Use of “buddy system” • Personal protective equipment • Medical assistance instructions Responder Security

6. Site Security • Control entry/exit • Limit unauthorized access • Establish site boundaries • Post signs at perimeter • Lighting • Log book for allowed personnel • Designated security personnel • Law enforcement Responder Security

7. Work Zones • Work zones • Control access and movement in area • Deters unauthorized personnel • Reduce risk of spread of disease • Establishment of work zones • Personnel are properly protected • Work activities confined to certain areas • Personnel can be located quickly Responder Security

8. Biosecurity Work Zones Responder Security

9. Responder Responsibility • Follow established security measures • Explained at initial briefing • Communication • Established methods • Cell phone, radio • Be aware of surroundings • Unauthorized or suspicious persons • If noticed, contact your supervisor • Monitor the individual until assisted Responder Security

10. Buddy System • Accountability • Accounted for at ALL times • Site investigations, response control zone • Enter/exit through designated points • Work in pairs • Stay in close visual contact • Assist partner as needed • Observe for signs of distress • Find emergency assistance if needed Responder Security

11. Non-Cooperative or Threatening Persons • Guidelines • Travel in teams or with buddy • Carry cell phone at all times • Remain calm; avoid confrontation • Leave if safety concerns exist • Call supervisor, team leader or police • Document and report the incident • Situations can escalate quickly • Interference is violation of US Code Responder Security

12. Aggressive Dogs • Be aware of surroundings • Listen for barking and observe when entering • Do not enter when • Unrestrained dogs • Barking, but no dog seen Responder Security

13. Aggressive Dogs • When confronted by dog: • Do not stare into eyes or run • Stop, slowly back away, place barrier • If you fall, curl into ball with hands over head/neck • Get treatment and report if bitten Responder Security

14. Resources • USDA Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness (FAD PReP) Guidelines: Health and Safety • http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/emrs/nahems.shtml • USDA Health and Safety Plan • http://www.aphis.usda.gov/emergency_response/hasp/health_safety_hs_training.shtml Responder Security

15. Acknowledgments Development of this presentation was by the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University through funding from the Multi-State Partnership for Security in Agriculture Authors: Dan Taylor, DVM, MPH; Glenda Dvorak, DVM, MPH, DACVPM